EU trade talks unaffected by corruption worries, PHL acted fast – ambassador

THE European Union (EU) does not expect the infrastructure corruption scandal to affect negotiations with the Philippines for a free trade agreement (FTA), noting that the government seems to be addressing the matter, the delegation of the EU to the Philippines said.

- By Justine Irish D. Tabile

“It is not affecting (negotiations) because we know that the corruption on the flood control-related issues is being tackled,” Massimo Santoro, EU ambassador to the Philippines, said on the sidelines of the Pilipinas Conference on Thursday.

“There is action by the government. There is clear willingness to ensure accountability,” he added. “Of course, it is clear that this is important background for any investor, but it had no specific impact on the current FTA negotiations.”

Mr. Santoro said addressing corruption is embedded in the framework of the FTA but also in the generalized system of preferences.